In you wish to change your configuration choice, reset the panel within the settings editor as shown in Figure 6.4d, and then exit to the login prompt without saving session info. The next login to XFCE will present the panel configuration choice again.

+

If you wish to change your configuration choice, reset the panel within the settings editor as shown in Figure 6.4d, and then exit to the login prompt without saving session info. The next login to XFCE will present the panel configuration choice again.

'''Figure 6.4d: Settings Editor to reset xfce-panel.

'''Figure 6.4d: Settings Editor to reset xfce-panel.

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txt=Missing Link[1] is a lightweight desktop environment that aims to be fast and low on system resources, while still being visually appealing and user friendly.

The first time you start XFCE4, you will see the message shown in Figure 6.4a:

Figure 6.4a: Panel Welcome Message

In XFCE, a txt=Missing Link[2] is a bar which can hold many items such as application launchers, windows lists, clock, notification area, and applications menus. Your initial panel setup options are:

Migrate old config: select this option if you wish to have a single panel with an application launcher and other icons as shown in Figure 6.4b. The application launcher menu may be reached from the upper left, or by a right-click on the desktop.

Use default config: this option will install a large panel across the top and a small minimal panel centered on the bottom. The application launcher menu may be accessed by the fireball icon in the lower left, or by a right-click on the desktop.

One empty panel: this option will install a panel with no icons. The application menu is available by right-clicking the desktop as shown in Figures 6.4b and 6.4c.

Figure 6.4b shows a screenshot of XFCE4 running on a PC-BSD 9.1 with the application menu open:

Figure 6.4b: XFCE with Complete Panel Migrated From Old Config

Figure 6.4c: XFCE with Minimal Panel Using Default Config

If you wish to change your configuration choice, reset the panel within the settings editor as shown in Figure 6.4d, and then exit to the login prompt without saving session info. The next login to XFCE will present the panel configuration choice again.

Figure 6.4d: Settings Editor to reset xfce-panel.

In addition to PC-BSD's utilities, XFCE provides the following utilities:

txt=Missing Link[3]: desktop manager found in Settings ➜ Destkop. Sets the background image, provides a right-click menu to launch applications, and can show files (including application launchers) or iconified windows.

Editing the Menu

XFCE no longer includes a graphical menu editor. The XFCE team recommends using alacarte which is included with PC-BSD's version of XFCE4 and which can be started by typing alacarte within an xterm.

Figure 6.4e shows a screenshot of alacarte running on PC-BSD.

Figure 6.4e: Using alacarte to Customize Applications Menu

Any entry with a checkbox will appear in your menu. To remove an item from the menu, simply uncheck its box. To create a new menu category, either highlight a top-level menu (e.g. KDE Menu or System) or an existing category and click the New Menu button. To add a new entry, highlight the category where you wish the entry to appear and click the New Item button. Input a name for the entry, browse to the path of the application and press OK.

XFCE Plugins

XFCE supports many plugins which provide additional applications that are separate from the official XFCE distribution. You can browse for plugins and read descriptions for each at the XFCE txt=Missing Link[11] If you find a plugin that is not available within AppCafe®, this txt=Missing Link[12] explains how to determine if a FreeBSD port is available, how to request a PBI if a port is available, and how to request a port if one does not already exist.

After installing a plugin, go to Settings ➜ Panel ➜ Items and click the + button to see the Add New Items screen shown in Figure 6.4f.

Figure 6.4f: Adding a Plugin to the Panel

Simply select your new plugin from the list, and click the +Add button. It will immediately be added as an icon in the panel.